Indiana has turned the college football world on its head, going 25-2 since hiring Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers improved to 14-0 after stomping Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl. Indiana went from an afterthought in the Big Ten to two wins away from a national title. Cignetti built the roster primarily through the transfer portal, including Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and star wideout Elijah Sarratt. While many of the Hoosiers’ top players are transfers, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has played his entire collegiate career in Bloomington. Cooper has gained significant notoriety this season with impressive numbers and clutch plays. He’s been incredibly productive over the past couple of seasons, but how does he project at the next level?
2026 NFL Draft: WR, Omar Cooper Jr. Early Scouting Report
Measurables
Height- 6-foot
Weight- 204 pounds
Background
Cooper was a three-star recruit and the 80th-ranked wide receiver in the Class of 2022. After playing high school football at Lawrence North (Indiana), he chose to stay in the Hoosier State and committed to Indiana. Cooper redshirted the 2022 season, appearing in four games but recording no catches. He appeared in nine games in 2023, including two starts, where he showed flashes of the player he would develop into. Cooper finished his redshirt freshman season with 18 catches for 267 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
2024 was a breakout season for Indiana, going 11-2 and making its first College Football Playoff appearance. Cooper contributed to the Hoosiers’ success, hauling in 28 receptions for 594 yards and seven touchdowns. He continued his upward trajectory into 2025, emerging as the top pass-catcher for Indiana. In 14 games, Cooper has racked up 61 catches for 849 yards and 12 touchdowns. His highlight moment this season was a remarkable toe-tap touchdown in the final seconds to defeat Penn State.
Strengths
Cooper has incredibly reliable hands, having just five drops over three seasons. His catch radius is impressive, as he can come down with difficult catches to help out his quarterback. Cooper is a crafty route runner who excels at beating man coverage and finding the soft spots against zone coverage. He has shown the ability to make plays after the catch using his physicality. Cooper is tough to bring down and fights for every yard. His physicality is on full display as a run blocker, posting a 71.3 run-blocking PFF grade. Cooper is a reliable target up the middle of the field that can move the chains and extend drives.
Weaknesses
While Cooper can pick up yards after the catch with his play strength, he isn’t a super-explosive athlete after the catch. His speed is adequate, but not elite. Cooper isn’t a player who will routinely take the top off of defenses. His technique and hands are strong, but he doesn’t boast dominant physical traits.
Overview
There are several quality wide receiver prospects available in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Cooper being one of them. He’s improved his stock with a stellar 2025 campaign. His ball skills and route-running will translate to any NFL offense. While he isn’t the most electric athlete, he is a physical player who provides value as a run blocker. Cooper plays primarily out of the slot at Indiana, and that’s likely where he’ll line up on Sundays. He is currently projected as a third-round pick, but he could go earlier on day two if he continues to perform down the stretch.
